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A
Methodist Church was built on the present site in 1810. From the outset
it has been served by a distinguished succession of ministers and
has often attracted large congregations. It provided the first
Sunday School in Marylebone, with branch schools in other parts of
London, providing teaching in literacy
as well as the Christian faith.
The present building was designed by James Weir in the classical style
and opened in 1887. Its elegant interior is conducive to prayer, song,
and preaching. Today the church is a Grade II listed building, set
in a Conservation Area. The West London Mission, based at Kingsway
Hall, Holborn, included the church at
Hinde Street from 1917, but Hinde Street was eager to maintain its
distinctive identity, particularly suspicious of political involvement!
In 1944 some students formed a London University Methodist Society
and made their base at Hinde Street. When the 12 arrived for worship
in October they found they doubled the size of the congregation! But
by the
mid 1950’s some 300 students were attending evening worship and
a Sunday Night Group (SNG) grew in strength.
In 1980 the West London Mission offices and the Kingsway Hall congregation
moved to Hinde Street,
and there was considerable phased refurbishment of the premises. A
number of activities transferred over, including the Wednesday Club,
an open-access provision for the street homeless. From the days of
the Student Methodist Society onwards the church has had extensive
international links, and now has strong
ties with West Africa.
Hinde Street has always been an important preaching centre of Methodism
and remains among the most prominent Methodist Churches in London
today.
For further information on Hinde Street Church you can go to our website at:
www.hindestreet.org.uk
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